International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) |Volume VII, Issue XII, December 2022|ISSN 2454-6194
Abubakar Aliyu, Adamu Mohammed Babayo, Musa Hamza
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi-Nigeria
Abstract: In order to achieve lifetime abstinence from illicit drugs and psychoactive substances, drug de-addiction and rehabilitation now endeavors to provide emotional support along with medical care, rather than aiming at removal of physical dependences on drugs only. When a drug addict is released from a Detention Camp, he/she is reintegrated back to the society as liability with high temptation to relapse, due to the ineffectiveness of the detention strategy and gross inadequacy of drug treatment and rehabilitation services in Nigeria, as Programs like Detoxification, Psychotherapy and Meditation are absent. The purpose of this study therefore is to explore the principles of therapeutic architecture towards designing a therapeutic environment, with a view to support the new treatment trend for drug addicts and thugs in Bauchi state- Nigeria. The method applied in this study is basically qualitative, using Multiple Case Study approach. Cross Case Analysis was used to analyze the data collected. This study identified 12 principles of Therapeutic Architecture and was able to determine the best mode of application for the design of the Rehabilitation Centre. The findings of this study showcase Architecture in aiding therapy for drug addicts and thugs, by creating a therapeutic environment that addresses the problem of relapse and inadequacy of the treatment facility in the study area, which ensures reintegration of addicts back to the society within the shortest possible time with minimal professional intervention.
Keywords: Therapeutic Principles, Architectural Design, Rehabilitation Centre, Healing
I. INTRODUCTION
Youths as drug addicts in Nigeria, have been neglected by the successive administrations (military and civilian) since independence [1]. This situation has escalated in the last decade due to the conversion of youth by political masters into drug addicts, and subsequently metamorphosed into political thugs, political assassins, armed bandits, drug pushers, especially in North-eastern Nigeria. Thugs in Bauchi bear the local name “Sara-suka” [1]. According to [2] in his assessment of Political violence and youth gangs in Bauchi state, Sara-Suka comprises mainly of youths between the ages of 15 – 35 years, who are single, unemployed and vulnerable to drug abuse and thuggery.
A national survey [3] has confirmed that in the year 2017, nearly 15% of the adult population in Nigeria (around 14.3 million people) reported a “considerable level” of use of psychoactive drug substances. This rate is alarming for a developing nation like Nigeria. The survey further revealed that the highest level of drug used was recorded among people aged; between 25 to 39 years, with Cannabis being the most widely used drug. At present, most of the youths